What is Ambien?
Ambien (zolpidem) is a sedative-hypnotic for short-term treatment of insomnia. It enhances GABA activity in the brain to promote sleep. Designed for 7-10 day use.
Uses
- Difficulty falling asleep (immediate-release)
- Difficulty staying asleep (extended-release/Ambien CR)
Dosage
IR: Women 5mg, Men 5-10mg at bedtime. CR: Women 6.25mg, Men 6.25-12.5mg.
Take only when you can devote 7-8 hours to sleep.
Side Effects
Common: Drowsiness, dizziness, diarrhea, next-day drowsiness
Serious: Complex sleep behaviors (sleepwalking, sleep-driving), memory loss, severe allergic reactions
Precautions
- Do not take with alcohol
- Lower doses for women and elderly
- Risk of next-morning impairment
- Not for long-term use without medical supervision
Why are dosages different for men and women?
Women metabolize zolpidem more slowly, leading to higher morning blood levels and impairment risk.